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TEDxSantaBarbara encourages dialogue around racism, social justice and COVID-19 impacts

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TEDxSantaBarbara, a locally organized offshoot of the international TED nonprofit, announced on Thursday new speakers for its thought leadership series, "Making Waves: Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors."

The free, online series will comprise of virtual talks addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism.

Event organizers say they will broadcast the talks live on Zoom and Facebook on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. starting Aug. 26 through December, with occasional special edition sessions at different times.

“These 30-minute conversations get right to the heart of today’s challenges and, more importantly, the solutions that are within reach,” said Mark Sylvester, TEDxSantaBarbara executive producer. “We are honored to be able to lift up these critical voices at this moment.”

The event will feature speakers such as Dr. Harry Grammer, a 2017 CNN Hero and inaugural Obama Foundation Fellow, and actress and mental health advocate Mariel Hemingway.

TEDxSantaBarbara’s other recent racial justice conversations have covered the following topics:

  • How we can achieve radical healing from the combined impacts of COVID-19 and racism with Dr. Wizdom Powell, recently named one of the 25 Essential Black Voices on Mental Health and Wellness by Relevant Magazine);
  • Racism as a public health crisis with Dr. Yonette Thomas, Strategic Advisor for Health of Women & Girls to the Women's Economic Imperative; and
  • Navigating uncomfortable conversations about race with James Joyce III, District Director for State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson.

To attend upcoming events, register for the Zoom call by clicking here or tune in to the live stream here.